Described herein is an isolated polypeptide which is capable of specifically targeting apoptotic cells undergoing apoptosis and consists of the sequence (I): Cys-X1-Val-Ala-Pro-X2 (I), wherein X1 is an amino acid with polar uncharged side chain and X2 is an amino acid with positive charged side chain. The isolated polypeptide of the present invention may be useful for detecting apoptotic cells, as well as detecting and imaging apoptotic cells in tumor tissue, apoptotic myocardial cells in myocardial infarction tissue, apoptotic nerve cells in stroke tissue, and arteriosclerosis site； the polypeptide is useful for targeted drug delivery thereto.
